Cubs give Series ring to Bartman
■ The Cubs announced Monday they were giving a World Series ring to Steve Bartman, who deflected a foul ball that might have landed in left fielder Moises Alou’s glove with Chicago five outs from the World Series in 2003.
Bartman was harassed after the incident and has avoided the spotlight since. Chicago beat Cleveland last fall for its first championship since 1908.
Bartman released a statement saying he is “deeply moved and sincerely grateful.” He praised the Ricketts family and Cubs management, and called the ring a reminder of “how we should treat each other in today’s society.”
“My hope is that we all can learn from my experience to view sports as entertainment and prevent harsh scapegoating, and to challenge the media and opportunistic profiteers to conduct business ethically by respecting personal privacy rights and not exploit any individual to advance their own selfinterest or economic gain,” he said. “Moreover, I am hopeful this ring gesture will be the start of an important healing and reconciliation process for all involved.”
The Cubs say they “hope this provides closure on an unfortunate chapter” and Bartman “continues to be fully embraced by this organization.”
■ Marlins: There were tears and smiles and hugs and mixed emotions Monday as Jose Fernandez’s family visited Marlins Park for a game for the first time since the All-star pitcher was killed in a boat crash last September.
The family visitors included Fernandez’s 5-month-old daughter Penelope with her mother, both of her grandmothers and Jose’s grandmother.
The family went onto the field before batting practice and stayed for the start of Miami’s game against Washington.
“It was pretty special for the whole team,” infielder Miguel Rojas said. “There were a lot of emotions.
It’s a tough moment. It’s hard to be strong in these moments.”
Monday would have been Fernandez’s 25th birthday.
■ Astros: Houston put right-hander Lance Mccullers on the 10-day disabled list with back discomfort.
This will be the second stint on the disabled list with the same problem for Mccullers, who was also out from June 12-24.
Mccullers is 7-3 with a 3.92 ERA in 19 starts this season.
He isn’t sure how long he’ll be out, but says:
“we’re going to take our time and we’re going to make sure I’m ready.”
■ Diamondbacks: Arizona infielder Ketel Marte was placed on the bereavement list Monday after his mother died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic.
Marte is hitting .242 with four home runs and 10 RBIS in 25 games in his first season with the D-backs. He can return as soon as Thursday.